Car Review: New Suzuki Jimny
We were left in great anticipation after its local reveal (and competitive pricing announcement) at the South African Motor Show (August 2018), and now, we can finally say it: “THE NEW SUZUKI JIMNY IS HERE!”
I feel it is fair to say that the above warrants using that many capital letters, because the Jimny has always been a firm favourite of ours and an undeniably iconic vehicle on SA roads. And so, I had been crossing off the days until I could head over to Mpumalanga and spend some proper quality time getting to know the all-new Jimny, inside and out, on and off road…
With the big shoes of its predecessors to fill, this is the first all-new Suzuki Jimny 4×4 to be released in two decades! Apart from affordability, it boasts compact, capable, and most importantly, fun off-roading dynamics to go with its good looks!
Its striking personality and cheeky on- and off-road looks certainly give the new Jimny the ‘cool factor’, and we suspect that new owners will be getting plenty of ‘likes’ on their social media posts. That being said, the new Jimny still features various design elements from the old Jimnys, from the iconic round headlights to a full-sized spare wheel on the tailgate, to name just a few.
Despite it being so small and compact, the new Jimny is 1.7 metres tall and has a ground clearance of 210 mm, so drivers can still enjoy a great view of their surroundings as they head out of the city towards their holiday destinations.
As before, the new Jimny is specifically built as a 4×4, using strong materials under the body that allow for proper off-roading. Its 4×4 system also allows drivers to easily switch between 4×2, 4×4 high and 4×4 low range, with a secondary gear lever.
Dare to explore further than before? The new Jimny can easily adapt to different terrains, thanks to clever systems that assist even the trickiest of obstacles. The integrated Hill Hold Function and Hill Descent Control enhances its braking system; you simply lift your foot off the brake on an incline, and the car will remain stationary for up to three seconds. On declines, the Jimny does all the braking for you as you make your way down. We tried this on a number of hills and it really is just such a clever little car – keeping you steady and controlled.
Inside, the new Jimny’s cabin maintains its level of unpretentiousness and practicality, which is great if you don’t want to have to worry about loading or off- loading heavy and stubborn items that would otherwise damage delicate interiors.
The new Jimny is roomier than ever before. Front occupants of the new Jimny will enjoy an improved sliding range of 240 mm, as well as 30 mm more legroom. It is slightly wider too.
The new Jimny’s dimensions are:
Wheelbase: 2 250 mm
Length: 3 625 mm (50 mm shorter than before, thanks to the redesigned front bumper)
Width: 1 645 mm (45 mm wider than before)
Front track: 1 395 mm (a 40 mm wider track than before)
Rear track: 1 405 mm (a 40 mm wider track than before)
At launch, Suzuki introduced both a GA and GLX specification level, however both will feature a full-sized spare wheel, ABS brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control, ISOFIX anchors for child seats and dual SRS front airbags. Both models also include Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro® system with low range transfer gear and the Brake LSD traction control system.
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The new @suzuki_za Jimny makes off road obstacles a piece of cake! #geneticsmatter
Since its launch I’ve had a number of friends and family asking if the new Jimny is as good as it looks and sounds. I’ve learnt that no matter what advice or recommendations you’re given, you just don’t know until you’ve experienced a car like this for yourself. So my advice to you is this: go and test drive a new Jimny! I will say this: if you live or work in the city, but enjoy outdoor adventures and exploring unknown places during your time off, the Jimny facilitates both environments. Perhaps what I love most about the Jimny, is its fun, outdoorsy and unpretentious spirit of adventure – it’s not a 4×4 that owners will be too scared to take off road due to risk of a scratch or two, it was built for the outdoors after all.
The new Jimny proves that ‘small and affordable’ can still be fun.
Specs and Pricing
Two grades available
Three models of the new Suzuki Jimny are available from launch.
The manual model with GA specification level has:
- Air conditioning
- Power steering
- Immobiliser
- ABS brakes, BAS and ISOFIX
- Dual SRS airbags
- ALLGRIP PRO 4wd system with low range
- Brake LSD
- ESP
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
- 15” steel wheels with full-size spare wheel
- Double DIN radio preparation with 2 speakers and antennae
The GLX specification level is available with the choice of manual and automatic gearbox and has the following additional specifications:
- Colour-coded door handles and painted exterior mirrors
- Electric windows and mirrors
- Automatic climate control
- 15” alloy wheels
- Remote central locking
- Auto LED projector headlamps
- Front fog lights
- SLDA touch screen infotainment system
- Multi-function leather steering wheel
- Cruise control
- Additional 12V socket in luggage area
- 50:50 folding rear seat
- Luggage area box
Buyers of the new Suzuki Jimny can choose between three dual-tone and five single-tone colours. The dual-tone colours are a new high-visibility Kinetic Yellow, Brisk Blue Metallic and Chiffon Ivory Metallic. These models have a gloss black roof.
The single tone colours are Jungle Green, Bluish Black Pearl, Medium Grey, Silky Silver Metallic and White.
Pricing…
Jimny 1.5 GA 5 MT – R264 900
Jimny 1.5 GLX 5MT – R299 900
Jimny GLX 4AT – R319 900
The GLX model is standard with a 4 year / 60 000 km service plan and the GA model with a 2 year / 30 000 km service plan. All models are sold with a 5 year / 200 000 km mechanical warranty.